Residents of Naqaliso Settlement in Davuilevu Housing are on high alert as heavy rainfall and an approaching tropical depression threaten to exacerbate the flooding situation that has already affected their homes. Local families are expressing significant concern, citing that blocked drainage systems—resulting from nearby development work—have aggravated the flooding by impeding proper water flow in low-lying areas.
Many residents are now worried about potential health risks linked to the flooding, such as leptospirosis and dengue fever. In response to the crisis, Fiji One News reached out to the Ministry of Justice and the Fiji Corrections Services for comment. They indicated that the issue has been referred to both the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority for further investigation.
Settlement Committee President Ashwini Lata criticized the contractors’ planning, attributing the current flooding situation to their poor execution. Lata highlighted the disruptions caused to daily life, stating that children cannot attend school due to submerged roads and walkways, while elderly residents struggle to access health services. She stressed that families face significant mobility challenges because of the inundated conditions.
Urging immediate action, Lata warned that without necessary interventions, the community would likely suffer similar floods with each heavy rainfall event. Residents are now calling for urgent restoration of drainage systems in anticipation of the incoming tropical depression. “We are very concerned about health risks like leptospirosis and dengue, especially with another tropical depression approaching. We urge the government and the Ministry of Health to come and survey the area immediately before the situation becomes worse. We need urgent action now,” she implored.
The community’s resilience is evident as they voice their needs, advocating for urgent government assistance to mitigate the adverse effects of potential flooding and related health risks.
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